Cybersecurity

A look at how the IC is getting back to work

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed workers who are used to top-secret networks home. But as intel agencies begin bringing more personnel back, they'll have to contend with lingering anxieties.

People

Agencies begin slow return to the office as COVID restrictions ease

Veterans Affairs, State, Agriculture and other federal agencies are ramping up operations and bringing more workers into the office.

People

Union heads urge caution as DHS looks to resume normal operations

As the Department of Homeland Security considers the process of resuming normal operations, unions representing agency employees are calling on agency leadership to ensure that personnel have adequate resources to protect against exposure to COVID-19.

Modernization

DOD looks for extension on Huawei ban

With a looming implementation deadline in August, DOD looks for leniency in anti-Huawei product requirements for defense contractors.

Digital Government

Connolly asks IGs to review agency reopening plans

The Government Ops chairman also wants the Pentagon's watchdog to probe a civilian federal worker's death from COVID-19.

Digital Government

House Dems want the Fed to open their digital banking services

Months after IRS began doling out stimulus checks, tens of millions of Americans have yet to receive their share. Experts are calling for better tech and expanded access to the banking system.

People

Federal appeals court denies union push for emergency coronavirus safety rules

The AFL-CIO had sought to force OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard that would have addressed infectious disease in the workplace.

People

Pentagon starts reopening June 15

The Pentagon is moving to a restricted Phase One of its reopening plan June 15, the Defense Department announced, with essential personnel returning to headquarters.

Digital Government

Cyber and IT challenges remain as Census resumes operations

The IT systems needed to carry out the 2020 Census still face numerous testing challenges and unaddressed critical cybersecurity flaws, according to a new oversight report.

Acquisition

‘COVID penalty’ could cost Pentagon at least $10 billion in contractor claims

Ellen Lord, the Defense Department’s chief buyer, told Congress that defense companies coronavirus relief claims could cost upwards of $10 billion.

Digital Government

Mapping the PPE supply chain

Ninety days after the COVID-19 emergency declaration, a Senate panel examined how U.S. responders are managing procurement and delivery of needed supplies.

Digital Government

Growing pains, successes in remote work during COVID-19

Despite plans to incrementally push workers to return to the office, federal agencies still plan on allowing some employees to continue to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People

Public sector employment continues to slide

However positive signs in the May jobs report could sideline federal legislation to extend aid to local governments.

People

OPM looks to its own reopening

As Capitol Region local governments are starting to phase in their own reopening plans, the Office of Personnel Management put out a detailed guide for returning its own employees to the office.

Modernization

The internal Air Force startup trying to drive mobile computing

COVID-19 and telework exposed the Air Force's lack of mobile capabilities. BESPIN is trying to change that, that one app at a time.

Acquisition

Pandemic means beta.SAM shift will take a little longer

At GSA, plans to fully shift legacy acquisition systems are being stalled to help contractors and agencies keep current.

People

Pentagon considers reducing quarantine to 10 days

The Pentagon is considering compressing the COVID-19 quarantine period for personnel from 14 to 10 days, top officials said.

Cybersecurity

NSA's cyber wing looks to safeguard COVID research and expand outreach

The spy agency's deputy director said its new cyber directorate is focused on protecting vaccine research from hackers and supporting activities that help get Americans back to work.

People

Pentagon readies reopening plan

The Defense Department is planning to shift from pandemic footing to more normal operations, and is using White House issued criteria on declines in reported symptoms, declines in new cases and hospital access to determine when restrictions will be lifted.

Cybersecurity

Pandemic duties for National Guard include cyber help

The Maryland National Guard is doing its part to help hospitals and local government detect and deflect malicious online activity during the pandemic.